Hoover, AL – August 22, 2014 - Jessica Garcia hit a solo home run and Lisa Norris threw a complete-game shutout to lead the Akron Racers to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Bandits in the third and deciding game of their best-of-three series; Akron advances to play the USSSA Pride in the best-of-three finals starting tonight at the Hoover Met.

It was a pitchers’ duel for most of the game between Akron’s Lisa Norris and Chicago’s Monica Abbott. Through three innings, Norris had allowed no hits and one walk, while striking out two; Abbott had allowed one hit and one walk, striking out three.

Akron got on the board with one out in the top of the fourth when designated player Jessica Garcia hit a solo home run to left field off of Abbott. Racers centerfielder Taylor Schlopy followed the home run with a single to center, her second hit of the game, and stole second base (her second steal of the game). Third baseman Kelley Montalvo reached on an error by Chicago’s Amber Patton, and Schlopy advanced to third. Abbott ended the Akron half of the inning by striking out catcher Haley Outon and second baseman Ashley Thomas.

Norris threw a complete-game shutout in the victory, and she was dominant throughout. She retired the Bandits in order in four of the seven innings. She allowed just three baserunners, two base hits and one walk. Norris struck out three batters over the seven innings. Chicago only advanced one runner to second base through the first six innings of play.

Abbott went seven innings in the loss, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine batters.

In addition to the two hits by Schlopy and the home run by Garcia, second baseman Ashley Thomas and leftfielder Jill Barrett each had a hit for Akron. Chicago’s two hits were by Patton and leftfielder Emily Allard.

Akron and USSSA will play a best-of-three series for the Cowles Cup. The first game is tonight at 7:00 p.m. The two teams will play again tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. and, if necessary, at 3:30 p.m.

Box Score: Click Here

Site: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium – Hoover, AL

Score: Racers 1, Bandits 0

Next Game: Championship Series Finals Game 1 - Friday, August 22, 2014, Akron Racers vs USSSA Pride 8:00 PM ET/ 7:00 PM CT. The game will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports Network. Channel Finder: http://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/channel-finder